Chuck Leavell, The Travelin’ McCourys, Chris Smither, Randall Bramblett and Monster Mike Welch will bring the music to the 31st Annual Blind Willie McTell Music Festival Sept. 6 in Thomson.
The event kicks off at noon at 965 Stagecoach Rd. with gates opening at 11 a.m.
It’s named after William Samuel McTell, who was born in 1901. Despite losing his sight in late childhood, he became “one of the most accomplished guitarists and lyrical storytellers in Blues history,” the festival website said.
His music influenced later performers with songs ”Statesboro Blues” and “Broke Down Engine Blues,” recorded by artists such as the Allman Brothers and Taj Mahal.
Pianist Chuck Leavell was worked with multiple bands Including the Allman Brothers, The Rolling Stones, George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Train and Blues Traveler. A member of the Georgia Music Hall of Fame and a recipient of a Grammy Lifetime Achievement, Leavell created the Macon-based Sea Level band in the 1970s that also included Allman alum, Randall Bramblett who is scheduled to perform at Blind Willie.
Bramblett also spent 16 years in Steve Winwood’s band, including the Traffic Reunion Tour. His songs have been covered by Bonnie Raitt, The Blind Boys of Alabama and Delbert McClinton. He’s been the horn leader for Widespread Panic and also tours in Marc Cohn’s band.
The Travelin’ McCourys, who received the 2019 Grammy for Best Bluegrass Album with their self-titled debut, will also take the stage.
“They present their spin on string band/bluegrass music—rooted, but revolutionary at the same time. As they dig through a setlist, you may hear a traditional bluegrass favorite followed by a stretched out cover of a Jerry Garcia or a Waterboys tune,” according to the festival website.
It’s been a decade since Chris Smither played Blind Willie. The musician has recorded more than 20 albums, and his songs has been covered by performers including Bonnie Raitt, Emmylou Harris, Peter Case and Tim O’Brien.
Boston-based blues guitarist Monster Mike Welch got his nickname when he was only 13 from actor Dan Aykroyd.
Welch played with New England’s Sugar Ray and the Bluetones, until 2017, recording five albums and racking up multiple Blues Music Award nominations for the band in that time. He also recorded with Shemekia Copeland, Ronnie Earl, Danielle Nicole, Duke Robillard, Johnny Winter, Victor Wainwright, Nick Moss and the Mannish Boys.
Advance tickets are $55 including fees and can be purchased online. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call (706) 794-3488. Tickets at the gate are $65 each. Kids 12 and under get in free.
On Friday, Sept. 5, there’s a free blues blowout to kick off the festival. Skyler Saufley, an Alabama Blues Hall of Famer, brings his brand of jump, swing, and West Coast blues to the Thomson Depot at 7 p.m.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for more than 35 years. She’s won multiple Georgia Press Association awards and received the 2018 Greater Augusta Arts Council’s media award. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
